Owen Bailey scores only goal as Doncaster claim derby honours against Rotherham

Owen Bailey’s first-half header saw Doncaster take the South Yorkshire derby spoils against Rotherham and continue their strong start to life back in League One.

The Rovers skipper flicked home from a James Maxwell cross in the 26th minute to decide a back-and-forth clash at the Eco-Power Stadium.

Doncaster weathered an early storm from the visitors and went on to control the first 45 minutes.

After Bailey’s fifth goal of the season had given them the lead, George Broadbent sent a curling effort over the crossbar from 20 yards as they pushed for a second.

Glenn Middleton struck the bar with a fierce drive from the edge of the area, while Martin Sherif saw a header kept out by Thimothee Lo-Tutala in a rare moment of Rotherham threat.

The Millers came out the stronger in the second half but only after Tom Nixon had lashed a bouncing effort off a post for Doncaster.

Rotherham had trouble fashioning clear-cut chances despite their control of possession, with a late volley from Jordan Hugill the closest they came to finding an equaliser.